Testimonials

I’m so sorry our assignment desk was
not able to get a reporter or photographer to your event today. The news
priorities of the day (all the flooding problems) dictated we put our resources
there. Nonetheless, I sincerely hope it was a grand success. The
kids and their teachers deserved all the special treatment. You remain
one of the most inspiring people in our community, with a heart of gold. You
are truly making a difference in people’s lives in a very tangible way.

I hope you are able to get some rest after
all the planning and organizing for Day of Beauty. (You deserve to put your
feet up for a minute).

Continue the great giving work that you
and your supporters do. And thank you for staying in touch. I’m
looking forward to keeping up with your endeavors.

Dear Brenda,I am really looking forward to your
coverage on the special event coordinated by Gloria Owczarski for the "Day
of Beauty" for special needs kids and their teachers. When Gloria
emailed me about this event, even though I got on board late, I got on
board! I think it is SUCH a FANTASTIC idea - and Gloria's heart is
so HUGE - she just makes people want to join in because you know not only
is it the right thing to do - it will be FUN! What a wonderful combination!

Unfortunately, even though I had planned
to participate that day, a family emergency prevented me from attending.
However, I was able to raise a little bit of money for Gloria
on pretty short notice - and she is already collaborating on how to get
started for an even bigger event next year. I am certain as we get
word out, more people will be finding this a great event to get involved
in! I know I will be seriously more involved next year - and
one of our initiatives for next year is to get her "Nonprofit"
status so more people will donate $'s and goods!

I know your coverage will be a huge
boost for an event that is quite simply a gesture from the heart - from
Gloria's heart and her love for her sister and her "compadres".
I've even told her I think this could go city-wide, state-wide and
eventually, National! Perhaps she can one day be blessed to host
you AND Oprah? One can ALWAYS dream! (and if you're going to shoot
for a goal - make it a big one!) :-)

Thanks very much for your interest in
getting the word out on this very special day/event. You are our
FAVORITE - 1st Newslady of Atlanta! (even BEFORE this!) :-)

Sincerely,Jean MelvinAlpharetta, GA

(FYI - This is the first year we've
participated in the event - because even though we've known Gloria and
her husband Greg for a few years now, we've only known them "informally"
as they adopted their dog, "Lucy" from us. Who knew what
we were missing?!!)

We had the best time! Thank you so much for letting us host this event! It was truly magical for everyone involved!

Thanks!

Emily Allen

Paul Mitchell The School - Atlanta

404.888.0070

Gloria you are just the most wonderful woman I think I have ever met!
We are so excited just to be involved! We are more than happy to help
you get all of this done : ) Again, I am here thru Saturday this week
so feel free to drop anything off here as you get it and we can get
working on those goodie bags! Let me know what I can to do help : ) We
are really excited about being a part of your event!

We would like to thank you for allowing us to come to “Day of Beauty.” It was absolutely amazing to see everyone receiving services and being pampered. We had messages and enjoyed the atmosphere, entertainment, and of course the food. We had a great time staff and our participants. We danced and just enjoyed being around like minded people. Thanks again and we look forward to next year.

Sincerely,

Miguel Sykes : The Frazer Center

Gloria,

Thank you so much for extending this opportunity to our young people and staff. Their confidence and self-esteem is through the roof. We would like to extend a personal thank you, can you provide us the name of your staff and volunteers?

You are amazing! This was my first year volunteering and I was very impressed by how smoothly everything was run. I had a great time today and can't wait for next year's event. Thanks for organizing this event... I will be spreading the word!!! Take care!

Kenyetta White

Gloria,

Just wanted to say thank you to you! What a wonderful event that you put together. It was so encouraging to see so many people coming together to do something special for teenagers with special needs. The volunteers were great. Everyone was so friendly and helpful. AJ was wonderful, thank you for that special treat for me. Emily was certainly content (if she was unhappy everyone would have known it). She enjoyed the music and ate 4 bags of chips (hey that is golden to her). Thank you for allowing us to come and be a part of A Day of Beauty. It was special to do this just with my daughter. Thank you again.

Sincerely,

Stephanie King

I just wanted to say THANK YOU for such a wonderful day! My girls had an incredible time!!!!! They were so excited to be there and loved every minute of it!

You did an amazing job setting everything up!!!! Everyone that was there to work on our special friends were fantastic and wonderful! I loved every minute of it!

Thank you, for what you did for my girls (and everyone that came!)!!!!!!

Thank you Gloria!!! You did another amazing job orchestrating everythingtoday. Our students and staff had a blast, and they look great! Thank youagain for inviting us!

Courtney Sievers

Gwinnett High School

Gloria,

The kids are still talking about the fun they had at "The Day of Beauty."

Everything was done in such excellence!

Can't wait 'til next year-- I know that it will be even better. Again,
thanks for your generosity!

Johnny Toombs,
Towers High School

The teachers and staff from Stephenson High School want to personally
Thank you all for your generosity. Our students truly felt like Kings and
Queens. Some of our girls walked into a salon for the first time in their
life and they did not know what to expect. But when they finished, you
could just see the joy in there face and you knew they felt beautiful.
I cannot find the words to tell you how much our students (and us) enjoyed
everything. From the massages, the nails, the facials, the haircuts (and
color), the food and the gifts.
But most of all, we enjoyed the atmosphere, everyone's positive attitude
made our students truly feel as if "They were the most important people in
the world"
Thank you ALL sooooooo much.
From the Teachers and staff of Stephenson High School

Today was the 7th annual Day of Beauty! (http://www.mydayofbeauty.net/) Words
can't describe this spectacular day. Photos can't really either, at
least not MY photos. They didn't turn out so hot but there were
photographers there along with the local news so I'm hoping it'll be
on TV.

Again this year, I got to "man" the massage room. So much
fun. We had @ 12 massage therapist volunteers and they stayed busy.
The local news reporter interviewed one guy, James I think, while he was
getting his massage. It's hysterical. The reporter was laughing so
hard she could hardly ask questions. I hope that one makes airtime.

There were so many kids & young adults with their teachers &
aids. Special Olympics girls swim team, public schools, transition
centers, supervised adult living facilities and probably some I missed.
They got their hair colored (one guy got red & blue, another gold),
haircuts, makeup, manicures, waxing and of course massage.

Ruby the clown entertained along with Jessica (love her from Lululemon) and
another Hawks dancer. Lest I not forget the DJ too. The place was
rockin! The food was unreal - Twisted Taco had taco bar, burgers, hot
dogs, ribs, cakes, mini cupcakes, cookies, bagels, chips, candy and
fruit! Something for everyone!!!!!

All donated and volunteers!!!!
Some of my blogging friends came and I got to meet them F2F. That
was so cool (and thanks)!

So....how does this all come together?!!! There's only
one girl I know that can make all this happen and that's the founder and organizer.........Gloria O. This is her labor of
love and the Day of Beauty
brings so much joy and happiness that you must be there to truly experience
it. It does not fit into words. It was a SPECTACULAR day
and I can't wait for next year!!

Gloria,
The Day of Beauty today was absolutely magnificent. It is easily the best
example I have ever seen of a community member building something that has
such a great impact on so many public school students. Through your work
and vision, you have built a huge network of dozens and dozens of
individuals who donate their time, expertise and resources to benefit so
many. Your leadership and the Day of Beauty are tremendous examples of
how we can use our God-given gifts and talents to benefit others.

Thank you for all that you do. The Day of Beauty is a blessing to many,
many adults and students.

You outdid yourself one more time. Today was SPECTACULAR. Everyone was raving about it –
techs, volunteers, teachers and of course all the students. Thanks for letting
me be a part of it. You can count on me next year too!!!

Thank you for the S.O. watch. I really love it. This all has
such a special place in my heart. Thanks and now go get a massage!!!!

What a great event you put on. It looked like
you do it every day. It is the epitome of organized chaos! Everyone
knew what they were supposed to do and just did it. The kids had such a
great time, too. So many smiles!

Thanks for including me.

Congratulations. Not only for such a well-run event
but for giving us opportunities to be helpful.

Much love,

Gay Arnieri

You did it! I don’t know how. I am convinced you must
have some little elves working on all your preparations while no one is
looking. However you do it, kudos to you. All I know is Rachel had a great
time. Me too! Congratulations – it was a huge success and it seemed
like they all had a great day!

Raye Gray

Hey Gloria,
They event was a success and those experiencing it for the first time are
all ready responding. GO GIRL!

Congratulations
on this amazing event! Sounds like it was a wild success. Kudos to you
and your big heart for making this happen. How was the massage
therapist turnout? Hope they came out for you!

Best,

Lara Bracciante, ABMP

Hi Gloria,

Thank you for the sweet email and all the pics! I forwarded this
to all the stylist at fresche that worked the event. They all spoke
very highly of it and how much fun it was! We are going to strive for
next year to have our entire salon there to support you at this event!

I think it is such an inspirational and positive experience that
the PM school hosts; you all should feel a lot of pride and
happiness inside!

Thank you for letting us participate ~ we will be back!

joi rooks

Wow! As I finish reading this email, I am amazed at the kindness and
righteousness u display! I am so upset I can't come on mon. I respect wat u do, and all the effort, time, and
commitment u put into this event! Every single child and adult that
benefits will be forever grateful for ur selfless giving. And don't
worry G-d's got ur back tooo lol!

Good luck! And we will be in touchMay u be blessed!SURI BERNHARD

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Day of Beauty

Day of Beauty

Organization:

Atlanta, GA

Awarded 03/23/2010

One
of the greatest gifts volunteers can give is not money, a lesson, or a
bit of time, but a new feeling or confidence in the person they are
helping. “Day of Beauty” does this by offering beauty treatments to
young adults with special needs and their teachers at no cost to the
students or their families.

Growing up with a sister with Down Syndrome, “Day of Beauty” founder
Gloria Owczarski has always had an interest in the success of special
needs individuals. Already a swim couch for the Special Olympics,
Gloria decided she could do more. Organizing stylists and service
technicians in the Atlanta area, Gloria created a Day of Beauty to give
kids with special needs and their teachers a day of massages,
manicures, haircuts, styling, and other beauty treatments.

The volunteers participating in a Day of Beauty each year notice
that their service not only leaves the participants feeling good on the
outside, but on the inside as well. Many of the participants have never
been to a salon, let alone experienced the attention and care given by
the volunteers of a Day of Beauty. Participants leave the experience
ready to show off their new looks, and share their new confidence with
the world.

The volunteers with Day of Beauty believe in their power to change
the world. They demonstrate compassion and grace with the students and
teachers involved in Day of Beauty and empower the participants to
leave with a renewed sense of confidence and positive outlook on the
world.

Gloria Owczarski

Gloria Owczarski

Organization:

A Day of Beauty

Atlanta, GA

Awarded 03/10/2010

It
doesn't matter what age or what walk of life, everybody loves to be
pampered. Gloria Owczarski knows that, which is why she's made it her
duty to organize and lead “A Day of Beauty” for young adults from
Atlanta area high school special education classes and their teachers,
many of whom have never been in a salon.

A former salon manager, Gloria dedicates herself to giving one
glorious day of makeovers every year to special needs youth and their
teachers. She works all year long recruiting stylists to donate their
services and a local salon to donate the space. When Gloria started “A
Day of Beauty” seven years ago, 20 from the Special Olympics swim team
she coaches got makeovers. This year, “A Day of Beauty” will serve over
300 students and teachers at no cost to the participants.

For Gloria, “A Day of Beauty” is about building confidence and helping
the participants feel proud of themselves. Gloria shares, “This event
is very close to my heart. My sister has Down's syndrome and she is my
inspiration. I have been a Special Olympics swim coach for the past 10
years and I do this event for them.” Gloria knows being pampered makes
the students and teachers involved feel like someone cares. For Gloria
Owczarski, it's personal.

Gloria’s nominators could not say enough about her or “A Day of
Beauty,” as Gloria not only serves the program’s participants, their
teachers and parents, but she also gives individuals in the beauty
industry and the surrounding community an opportunity to give back. One
of Gloria’s nominators shared, “Gloria allows many of these students
and teachers to experience a day where they are the stars, leaving with
confidence in themselves. Not only are the participants treated to such
a beautiful day, the volunteers know they have truly made a difference
in the lives of these people - how much better can you get?!”

Gloria Owczarski is a beautiful woman who develops confidence in the
special needs young adults in her community and mobilizes industry
professionals and community partners to pay it forward by making a day
of memories and happy smiles for a very special group of kids.

Thank you all for such a lovely time. We really enjoyed ourselves. Thestudents loved there treats and bookbags. Mr Brown loved the food and hisstainless steel mug .Ms Ball adores her nails, and I am really enjoying myhaircut that Matthew came me.take care all you . arlene

My class and I want to thank everyone who took time out of their day offto minister to my kids. They had a wonderful time- so did I!

We enjoyed all the great food and so much of it!! I am on weight watchersand had to"weight in" Monday evening-if not, I would have eaten one ofeverything....

The guys and gals who worked on the kids did an excellent job and are afun bunch to work with. They all need to be commended for such a kind,compassionate, and giving act. My hope is that we could come back nextyear - if Bonnie chooses us again.

Each of the vendors offered some of the most delicious foods. My kidsjust ate, ate, and ate. In fact today Tiara- my blind student- said shewas hungry during class - so they ate the cookies we took back to classyummy!!!

May the Lord keep blessing each and every one of you for your kindness tomy kids and others like them.

I can't thank you enough for what you and your staff did for my studentsthis morning. It means so much that everyone gave up their day off tocome do something for them. My students don't often, if ever, get treatedwith the care and respect that you and your staff provided today.

Every person that I talked to this morning was extremely pleasant andextremely patient with my students. Several said how glad they were to beworking with with my kids. You have some wonderful people there!

Thank you also for pampering us teachers. I was not expecting the haircut and chair massage that I received. I can't decide which I enjoyedmost! If only I didn't have to come back to school... Actually it madecoming back to reality much more bearable. I really appreciate it.

Thank you again for the awesome morning. You brought a lot of happinessto a lot of people. Please thank everyone else there, too. It is thenicest thing anyone has ever done for my students and me.

Gloria, My students will be sending a formal thank you note, but I just hadto tell you again what a wonderful day this way today. We all loved it and the students were so excited! They couldn't wait to go home and show their families how beautiful they looked. I know thistook a lot of work to get this organized and I just wanted to say we all loved it and appreciate you! The staff was the best!!! Thanks foreverything.

Hi Gloria, My sister who died
in October was with Just People and would have loved what you are
doing. I was glad to hear they are participating. You are very brave to take on a challenge like this, and I admire you
for doing it.

Thanks and bless you - Betty Didicher

"I looked at the pictures of the beautiful children. You are a
true Angel amongst humans! "

Elizabeth "Beth" Cole

Public Affairs and Communications-EBU

Thanks to you too Gloria.....I had a great time with the folks at
Paul Mitchel studio!!!.........A delightful crowd and wonderful
environment...

Yes I was there - and I had a wonderful time. Enjoyed the kids so
much. They are truly special, special people.

J. Diane Dobson

Massage Therapist

A Touch of Serenity

Therapeutic Massage

Dear Ms. Owczarski, I'm writing you to thank you for arranging the Beauty Day at the Paul Mitchell Salon on Monday, May 3, 2010.My son attended from Mrs. Hunt's class at Tucker High! He had a great day and was very excited telling us all about it!!